2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage

The 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage is a hand-built, high-performance sports car known for its stunning design, luxurious interior, and exhilarating driving experience. It was offered with a naturally aspirated 6.0L V12 engine producing 510 horsepower and 420 lb-ft of torque, paired with a 6-speed manual transmission or a Sportshift automated manual transmission (AMT). Owners typically love the car’s raw power, distinctive exhaust note, and exclusivity, but some dislike the firm ride, limited practicality, and potential for high maintenance costs.

Engine

6.0L V12

• Oil Leaks
  • Description/Symptoms: Oil leaks can develop from various locations, including valve cover gaskets, oil cooler lines, and the rear main seal. Symptoms include visible oil drips under the car, a burning oil smell, and low oil levels.
  • Solution: Identifying the source of the leak and replacing the faulty gasket or seal. In some cases, the oil cooler lines may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $2,000+ depending on the location of the leak and labor involved.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Coil Pack Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Misfires, rough idling, and a check engine light. Diagnostic codes will indicate a misfire on a specific cylinder.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty coil pack. It’s often recommended to replace all coil packs at the same time to prevent future issues.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $300 per coil pack, plus labor.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Fuel Injector Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: Rough idling, misfires, and a check engine light. Can also lead to poor fuel economy.
  • Solution: Replacing faulty fuel injectors.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $500 per injector, plus labor.
  • Recalls: None Found

Transmission

6-Speed Manual

• Clutch Wear
  • Description/Symptoms: Clutch slippage, difficulty shifting, and a high engagement point.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch disc, pressure plate, and throw-out bearing.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,000 - $4,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Sportshift Automated Manual Transmission (AMT)

• Clutch Actuator Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: Difficulty shifting, jerky shifts, and a transmission malfunction warning light. The actuator controls the clutch engagement and disengagement.
  • Solution: Replacing the clutch actuator.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $3,000 - $5,000+
  • Recalls: None Found
• Hydraulic Pump Failure
  • Description/Symptoms: The AMT system relies on a hydraulic pump to actuate gear changes. Failure can result in slow or no shifting, transmission malfunction warnings, and potentially stranding the vehicle.
  • Solution: Replacing the hydraulic pump.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $2,500 - $4,500+
  • Recalls: None Found

Suspension

• Adaptive Damper Malfunction
  • Description/Symptoms: Uneven ride quality, clunking noises from the suspension, and a warning light on the dashboard.
  • Solution: Replacing the faulty adaptive damper.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $1,000 - $2,000+ per damper.
  • Recalls: None Found

Electrical

• Battery Drain
  • Description/Symptoms: The battery drains quickly, especially when the car is not driven regularly. This can lead to difficulty starting the car.
  • Solution: Identifying the source of the parasitic drain and repairing the faulty component. Common culprits include the alarm system, infotainment system, and lighting circuits.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $100 - $1,000+ depending on the cause.
  • Recalls: None Found
• Infotainment System Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The infotainment system can experience glitches, freezing, and display problems.
  • Solution: Software updates may resolve some issues. In other cases, the entire infotainment unit may need to be replaced.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $3,000+
  • Recalls: None Found

Exterior

• Door Handle Issues
  • Description/Symptoms: The door handles can become sticky or difficult to operate. The mechanism can become worn or damaged.
  • Solution: Replacing the door handle mechanism.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $500 - $1,500 per door.
  • Recalls: None Found

Interior

• Sticky Interior Trim
  • Description/Symptoms: Certain interior trim pieces, particularly those coated in a soft-touch material, can become sticky and deteriorate over time due to heat and humidity.
  • Solution: Refinishing or replacing the affected trim pieces.
  • Estimated Cost to Fix: $200 - $1,000+ depending on the extent of the damage and the cost of the replacement parts.
  • Recalls: None Found

Summary

The 2011 Aston Martin V12 Vantage, while offering an exceptional driving experience, is prone to a number of issues that can be costly to repair. Engine oil leaks and coil pack failures are fairly common, while the Sportshift transmission can suffer from clutch actuator or hydraulic pump problems. Electrical gremlins, suspension issues, and interior trim problems can also surface. Due to the car’s complexity and the high cost of Aston Martin parts, owners should be prepared for potentially significant maintenance expenses. The severity of these issues ranges from minor inconveniences to major mechanical failures, and the associated costs can range from a few hundred dollars to several thousand dollars.